My 2000 F-150 started doing this about 6 months ago. I was just going to live with it but after seeing how many of you guys have already fixed yours so I'm going to take care of mine. I'm getting tired of seeing it go on and off also.

 

Does the 2003 Expedition have this problem too??? My odometer doesn't totally dim out, but like different parts of the display do, and normally if I hit the top of the dashboard it will return to normal??

I had my dash apart not that long ago, and was going to take the instrument cluster out to see if there was maybe a loose cable back there or something, but couldn't get the cluster out. I removed the screws but it barely moved (definitely not enough for me to get behind it and undo the cables).

 

Yes the 03 also has the problem. Are you sure you took out the correct 4 screws? If you did, maybe the harness is caught on something behind the dash. You might have to look up from underneath as you're trying to remove it to see if it's hanging up anywhere.

 

I will keep this in mind next time I take it apart. I will wait until it goes totally dead, then do this fix.

Thanks!

 

I went through the whole string and didn't realize there were so many different headlight switch styles of removal. So...can anyone please guide me as to where the info would be to remove my switch (here or anywhere else) It's a '99 F150 supercab with production date 11-98. It doesn't seem to have a notch on the base of the switch **** or on the headlight switch bezel itself. Thanks very much if anyone can help or I'll have to go through all 21 pages again.

 

Thank you so much for the descriptive instructions. You saved me $400!! I appreciate your help so much!!

 

You guys rock! It took me more than the previously stated 14 minutes but I wasn't racing. The pin that was shown did not look too bad but I hit it with a small drop of solder anyway and voila! I also tensioned the gear select indicator while I was in there so my tranny is displayed correctly...now tomorrow I gotta dig deeper and find out the GEM module issue and resolve the windshield leak! Thanks for all the help folks, glad I found this forum!

 

I have a 2006 F150 with the flasing odometer syndrome. I noticed the colder the weather it seems to work as the outside temp gets hotter it starts flashing in the summer it hardly works at all. Does anyone know if this is caused by the cold solder issue?

 

would this problem cause my battery to die? I am having an issue that has just recently surfaced to where i'll charge my battery and sometimes it'll drain dead and other times it won't but it WILL NOT stay charged at all for a period of time. all i have to do is touch battery cables (attached to another vehicle) to the battery or a battery charger and it starts right up. no charging time or nothing, almost seems like a bump is all it needs. but the battery is recently new and acid level is good. this is really frustrating. The other day i noticed that while i was driving i actually had to put my truck in nuetral to change the speed of my wipers. is this another short or could the odometer problem be causing it. I heard what sounded something like a sizzle under my dash at that point in time but i could never track it down. and it has stopped and wiper operation has gone back to normal. all except that my battery keeps dying over night or if it is off for a period of time. any help is greatly appreciated since i cannot afford to get a new vehicle at this point in time. any replys please reply to my email address cool_chris26@yahoo.com thanks ahead of time

 

It sounds to me like you're have an issue with the battery cable connectors not making good contact.

 

They are tight and secure on the terminals. Guess I'll look at the other end of them to make sure they are tight there as well but that wouldn't have made a sizzling sound under my dash on drivers side would it

 

You may want to take a look at all connections on the back of the fuse block and modules within the cabin. I have never heard of this type of problem before, but rule nothing out.

If the truck has ever been in a high humidity area, had water get in due to a window left down during rain, corrosion can set in on connections.

Just take your time, be thorough and you will find the problem.

Good luck,

Tim

 

I made the repair today, took about 3 hours. Included cleaning the gauge face and cleaning and waxing the lens. The odometer is now bright and stays on. Didn't have any problems with my headlight switch, it popped out as a complete unit and just unplugged. Next project: do the power lock repair.

 

Slow and Steady Wins the Race!

 

A worn belt or tensioner could be the problem. I have seen this. Even on mine. I changed my belt and it keeps a charge now. You may not see or realize it by looking, but the belt may be stretched causing it to slip enough and prevent the alternator from charging correct. The tension arm could be the issue also. "not keeping tension supplied to the belt.